Tucked into a quiet niche just steps away from Milan’s city prison, Spazio Rossana Orlandi is an almost Seussian space in design, packed to the brim with whimsy, imagination and contradiction. In recent years it has become a place of pilgrimage for the design world during Salone, and its labyrinthine space is a veritable crucible of creation. Designers are housed, nurtured and encouraged to create free from the constraints of commerce. The latest of such grand experiments was conducted upon James Russell and Hannah Plumb of England’s JAMESPLUMB, who lived since mid-October among the space’s fractured whimsy of rumpled, multicoloured furniture and imposing Marten Baas masterworks.

In keeping with the nature of the space, the work was carried out in the open over the course of their stay, using a collection of antique and industrial furniture as a starting point. The result is a feast of textures, textiles and subverted forms. From their almost trademark block seats to a wardrobe stuffed with old leather suitcases, skilful artisan hands are evident throughout. In all, the adeptness with with which the two are able to so seamlessly integrate cosiness and imagination into every object is formidable, yet their works never come within miles of the obvious or quaint.

At last night’s opening, The Blogazine brushed elbows with the brilliant designer duo, as well as Ms. Orlandi herself, who spread her good design word to a very pleased crowd. We look forward to the next outing!